A record-breaking 72 crypto ETFs are awaiting SEC approval, signaling a seismic shift in U.S. digital asset policy as regulatory momentum turns bullish.
Explosive Growth in Crypto ETF Filings Hits 72 as SEC Faces a Regulatory Crossroads
Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted the increasing number of cryptocurrency-related exchange-traded fund (ETF) filings pending before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday. Referencing a list compiled by fellow Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart, Balchunas stated on social media platform X that 72 crypto-related ETFs are currently awaiting SEC approval for listing or options trading.
The pending ETFs span a broad spectrum of assets and strategies. They include mainstream cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, ethereum, solana, XRP, litecoin, and dogecoin, as well as more unconventional offerings like pengu and leveraged products such as the “2x Melania” ETF. Issuers range from established firms like Bitwise, Grayscale, and Vaneck to newer or specialized players, including Canarx, Coinshares, 21Shares, Proshares, Tuttle Capital, Rex-Osprey, Teucrium, Fidelity, Franklin, Hashdex, and Wisdomtree. The proposed products include spot ETFs, futures-based funds, staking ETFs, and leveraged derivatives, reflecting the sector’s push to broaden crypto access through regulated investment vehicles.
The wave of pending approvals signals continued industry enthusiasm for bringing spot, futures, and options-based digital asset ETFs to traditional markets, despite regulatory caution. Market participants see this as a pivotal year for crypto finance and fund access. While several spot bitcoin and ether ETFs gained SEC approval, the Commission has so far remained hesitant about approving products tied to other cryptocurrencies.
However, the environment has shifted significantly at the SEC since former Chair Gary Gensler’s departure. Under the new leadership of Paul Atkins, the Commission has signaled a more constructive stance toward crypto regulation. Atkins has pledged to address long-standing industry complaints about inconsistent guidance and regulatory uncertainty. The current SEC has prioritized defining clearer rules of the road for digital asset markets. Atkins recently told Congress: “A top priority of my chairmanship will be to work with my fellow commissioners and Congress to provide a firm regulatory foundation for digital assets through a rational, coherent, and principled approach.”